Deer management programme to improve road safety in west Mayo community
A STRUCTURED deer management programme is currently underway in the Achill area in response to the very serious increase in deer-related road traffic incidents experienced locally in recent years, Achill IFA has clarified.
Over the past number of years, and particularly in recent times, many people in the Achill parish have come forward with accounts of collisions and near misses involving wild deer on local roads, including the Achill - Mulranny road, and roads across the Achill and Currane peninsula.
These incidents have resulted in serious vehicle damage, hospitalisation of motorists and passengers, trauma to families, including children involved in collisions, and significant financial costs to individuals and insurers. A number of elderly residents have also expressed fear about travelling on local roads at night because of the danger posed by deer crossing or gathering on the roadside.
In response to these very real public safety concerns raised by the community, a coordinated deer management programme has now been put in place in the Achill area. The programme is being directed by the FRS Co-Op Deer Management Programme, working closely with local licensed gun club members, and is being carried out in a structured and lawful manner through a recognised deer management framework. All activity is undertaken by licensed and insured hunters operating under the relevant permissions and licensing provisions of the Wildlife Acts and in cooperation with the appropriate authorities.
A statement issued by Achill IFA said this work is not a random or uncontrolled culling of deer. It is a carefully organised deer management plan aimed at responsibly controlling numbers in specific areas, reducing the risk of further road traffic accidents and encouraging deer to move back towards the hills and away from busy roads.
Local landowners and the community have been very cooperative and supportive of the work being undertaken. Since the programme began, there has already been some positive progress observed locally, with a reduction in incidents reported in certain areas. However, deer numbers remain high and the work will continue over the coming months.
Achill IFA emphasised that this is a controlled programme involving authorised and licensed participants only. Achill is not open to outside or unauthorised hunting activity. The aim is responsible management of the deer population while ensuring the safety of road users and maintaining a sustainable balance with the natural environment.
Achill IFA extended thanks to the many members of the public who came forward to share their experiences and information in recent weeks. Their cooperation played an important role in helping to bring attention to the seriousness of the issue and in supporting the development of the current management plan.
Achill IFA remains committed to working constructively with all relevant bodies, including the FRS Co-Op Deer Management Programme, to ensure that the deer population is managed responsibly and that the safety of the community and road users remains the priority.